Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, February 5th, 2018 (CDEMA) – Trends in technology, media and communications; Staying connected during a disaster; and Cloud technology were some of the titles of the sessions on day two of CANTO's 34th Annual General Meeting.

The technology trend segment highlighted digitalization as a way of life and focused on Fibre to the Home (FTTH) as the way forward. Fixed wireless was also listed as a cost effective alternative.

The Caribbean Disaster Forum on the other hand focused on Business Continuity Planning in the Telecommunications Sector. The presenters on the forum included Dr. Cletus Bertin (CARILEC); Heather Wallen - Bryan (FLOW), Mandela Christian (CDEMA); Shernon Osepa, Internet Society; Consultants Aggrey Marsh and James Richardson.

Mandela Christian highlighted the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) of CDEMA which is an evolving set of arrangements for the coordination of disaster response among CDEMA's Participating States (PS), Regional and International agencies.

In 2017, CANTO partnered with CDEMA to support the operations of the RRM in response to the impact of major category Hurricanes Irma and Maria on CDEMA's Participating States. CANTO members volunteered technicians who formed part of the Rapid Needs Assessment Teams (RNAT) and supported the assessment of the telecommunications sector in the impacted states.

The second day climaxed with two highly charged segments on regional data centers using cloud content; and emerging trends in convergence, content,& customer analytics.

On Tuesday, there will be more sessions on spectrum, the FCC's decision on the Open Internet and a visit to TSTT's data center. The event will conclude with the Association's AGM proceedings.

About (CANTO)

CANTO is recognized as the leading trade association of the ICT sector for shaping information and communication in the Caribbean. Founded in 1985 as a non-profit association of 8 telephone operating companies, CANTO has now grown to over 125 members in more than 34 countries. A Board of Directors appointed by the membership directs policies of the Association. This strategy is executed by the staff of a permanent Secretariat based in Trinidad and Tobago.